Reva Smith

Reva Smith of Lanark, Idaho passed peacefully from this earth on April 11, 2017. She was surrounded by her loving family. Reva lived 90 years, blessing the lives of family and friends with her kindness, devotion, and love. She was born on October 23, 1926, in Riverdale, Idaho to Perry Walker Smith and Delphia Mecham Packer Smith. Reva was the third of five living children born to that union (Thelma, Keith, Reva, Roma, and Patsy).

She spent her youth in Riverdale swimming in the river, playing with cousins and friends, and just enjoying a wonderful childhood. She was a mischievous little girl who was fond of playing tricks on family and friends. She could run "like the wind" and loved participating in foot races, especially with her dad. Her carefree childhood was cut short by the death of her beloved mother, leaving her with many responsibilities. At an early age she found employment and began the next phase of her life.

She grew into a beautiful young woman and met the love of her life at a dance in Preston, Idaho. That young man was Arden Dee Smith, Sr. They were married in 1946 after Arden finished his service in the U.S. Navy. From then on, they were a committed, devoted team—one that lasted for 61½ years. They raised four children, Arden Dee, Pennie, Perry Ray, and Robin. They moved from Irwin, Idaho to Bear Lake Valley in Idaho in 1964. The majority of their life was spent living on their farm in Lanark, Idaho for 46 years, where she and Arden taught a strong work ethic to their family members by example. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, thrifty living, baking, listening to music, and spending time with her family. Reva met the challenges of life with great strength.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arden Dee Smith, Sr., parents, Perry and Delphia Smith, daughter, Pennie Knudson, brother, Keith Smith, and sisters, Thelma Horton and Patsy Kesler and many brothers-in-law.

Reva is survived by children, Arden Dee (Kathleen) Smith, Perry Ray Smith, Robin (Vondell) Saxton, son-in-law Robert Lyn Knudson, sister, Roma Warr, and sisters-in-law, Sharon (Ronnie) Keller, Shirley (Bud) Keller, Shirley (Ruel) Keller, Betty Henderson, Dixie (Keith) Smith, and Jean (Guy) Smith. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Arden Dee III (Aubrey) Smith, Erin Smith (Fiancé Christan Maguire), Angela (Jory) Hunter, Mindy (Brett) Gamett, Tyler Saxton, Trevor (Giovianna) Saxton, Tanner Saxton, Hollie (Jason) Boydston, Robert Eric Knudson, and Jessica (Kenneth) Jackson, as well as eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Reva will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her sense of humor and spunkiness was a joy to all who knew her. She had a wonderful way of making people smile, and she was extremely fun to tease. She will be greatly missed.